Buy Buffalo Nickel coins online
The Buffalo nickel coin or Indian Head nickel is a copper-nickel five-cent piece designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser and struck by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. The new U.S. nickel depicts three Native American chiefs on the obverse and a buffalo on the nickel's reverse. Buffalo nickels remain the only circulating coins whose obverse and reverse design was inspired by the western frontier, and you can buy Buffalo nickels now at Bullion Shark!
During the early 20th century, there was a movement to enhance the aesthetic appeal of U.S. coinage. Between 1907 and 1909, five U.S. coin denominations underwent redesigns. In 1911, the Taft administration decided to update the nickel, moving away from Charles E. Barber's Liberty Head motif. James Earle Fraser was chosen for this task, impressing officials with his designs that featured a Native American and an American bison. These designs received approval in 1912.
However, the introduction of the new nickel faced delays due to concerns from the Hobbs Manufacturing Company. This company, which produced slug-detection mechanisms for nickel-operated machines, had reservations about the coin's new design. Despite modifications made by Fraser to address these concerns, the company remained unsatisfied.
In February 1913, Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh made a decisive move. He opted to proceed with the issuance of the new nickels, overriding the objections of the Hobbs Manufacturing Company. This decision marked the official introduction of Fraser's iconic Buffalo Nickel design into American currency.
Nickel & Buffalo Nickels For Sale
Nickel has always been a versatile coin denomination, though it wasn't always five cents. In 1865, it debuted as a three-cent piece, composed of a unique blend of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This composition offered a distinct look: the nickel's shiny gray sheen contrasted sharply with copper's brown tones. Besides its visual appeal, nickel boasted greater durability than silver and exhibited superior wear resistance. Over time, these attributes led to the natural fusion of the term "nickel" with the practical necessity for a robust five-cent coin, embedding it firmly into everyday language.
The journey of the nickel five-cent coin is marked by various designs, starting with the Shield nickels from 1866 to 1883, followed by the Liberty Head nickels from 1883 to 1913. After these, the Buffalo nickel emerged, showcasing early 20th-century American design.
James Earle Fraser, the coin's designer, aimed to create a distinctly American coin that wouldn't be mistaken for foreign currency. He chose the American buffalo as a symbol, embodying a unique aspect of the United States. Interestingly, the animal featured on the coin's reverse is technically a bison, not a buffalo. The term "buffalo" was mistakenly assigned by European explorers who encountered these large, bearded creatures in America, unaware that true buffaloes, which lack beards, were native to Asia and Africa. The mint mark on these coins is located on the reverse, just below the denomination.
The obverse of the Buffalo nickel is equally notable, featuring a composite image of a Native American chief, inspired by three real chiefs. This design element led to an alternative name for these coins: the Indian Head nickels. Fraser's personal touch is seen in the inclusion of his initial "F" near the coin's date.
Buffalo nickels Issuing Mints
Buffalo nickels were struck at three mints: Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco.
Between 1913 and 1916, Matte Proof versions of the Buffalo Nickel were minted specifically for collectors, followed by Mirror Proof coins in subsequent years. A particularly rare find from 1913 is James Earle Fraser's initial "raised ground" design for the Buffalo Nickels. This version was later replaced with a modified "flat ground" design, which provided a more accommodating space for the inscription "five cents" on the coin.
Among the highly sought-after buffalo nickel reverse design varieties are the:
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1935 double-die five cents and, to a slightly lesser degree, e pluribus unum
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1937-D die error that resulted in a three-and-a-half legged buffalo
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1938 double-punch of mint marks resulting in "D" Over "D" and "D" Over "S"
Buffalo Nickels FAQs:
What is the history of the Buffalo Nickel?
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The Buffalo Nickel was minted from 1913 to 1938. It replaced the Liberty Head nickel and was part of a drive to beautify American coinage. The coin was designed by James Earle Fraser and features distinctive American themes.
Who designed the Buffalo Nickel?
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James Earle Fraser, an American sculptor, designed the Buffalo Nickel. Fraser's design was selected in an effort to create coins that reflected American themes and values.
Why was the Buffalo chosen for the nickel?
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The American bison, often called a buffalo, was chosen to symbolize the American West's wild and untamed nature. It represented a significant part of American history and culture.
Who is the Native American on the Buffalo Nickel?
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The Native American depicted on the coin's obverse is a composite of three different chiefs: Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Seneca). Fraser created this portrait to represent the Native American heritage collectively.
What are the key features of the Buffalo Nickel design?
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The key features include the profile of a Native American on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. The design also includes the denomination, the word “LIBERTY,” and the year of minting.
How much is a buffalo nickel worth?
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The value of a Buffalo Nickel varies widely, depending on its condition, rarity, year of minting, and any minting errors. Common dates in worn condition might fetch a small premium over face value, while rare dates and minting errors can be worth significantly more.
Are there any rare or error Buffalo Nickels?
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Some rare or error versions include the 1913-S Type 2, 1916/1916 Doubled Die Obverse, and 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo. These are highly prized by collectors.
How can I tell if my Buffalo Nickel is authentic?
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Authenticating a Buffalo Nickel involves examining the details of the coin, such as the quality of the strike, the weight, and the metal composition. Consulting a coin expert or having it appraised by a reputable dealer can also help.
What is the significance of the mint marks on Buffalo Nickels?
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Mint marks indicate where the coin was minted. For Buffalo Nickels, they can be "D" for Denver, "S" for San Francisco, or no mark for Philadelphia. Mint marks can impact a coin's rarity and value.
How should I care for and store my Buffalo Nickel?
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Store Buffalo Nickels in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. It's best to use acid-free holders or albums designed for coin storage. Avoid cleaning the coins, as this can reduce their value.